Ex-Newcastle flop emerges as surprise ‘favourite candidate’ to replace Txiki Begiristain as Man City director of football

The reigning Premier League champions are set to lose Begiristain after it was reported that the Spaniard will step down from his role as director of football at the end of the season. Begiristain helped turn City into English football’s dominant force after his arrival in 2012, playing a major role in Pep Guardiola’s hiring four years later, and has repeatedly been praised by the City boss for his work behind the scenes. His departure leaves a void to fill but City have already identified their ideal replacement, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Romano reports that Sporting Lisbon director of football Hugo Viana is City’s “favorite candidate” to replace Begiristain. Viana has earned a fine reputation following his work in Portugal, which includes the signings of Victor Gyokeres, Ousmane Diomande and Morten Hjulmand, who helped Sporting win the Primeira Liga last season.

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  Viana has previous experience of English football, joining Newcastle United as a 19-year-old in 2002. He struggled to cement a regular spot in the starting line-up though and was loaned out in 2004 before leaving permanently two years later.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

  City’s legal battle with the Premier League is still ongoing, while on the pitch the club are attempting to land a fifth-straight title. Guardiola’s side face Wolves in their first game after the international break on October 20.